A special Army parade was held at the Army Headquarters, Battaramulla today to felicitate Army Commander Shavendra Silva who was promoted to the rank of General. The Army Commander was seen in the General's attire. General Silva who is also the Chief of Defence Staff and the Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID -19 Outbreak was promoted on December 28. The Army said General Silva’s ceremonial motorcade reached the main entrance to the Commander's secretariat to be greeted to an elegant Guard Turnout salute, a formal military feature, presented by Gajaba Regiment troops after Colonel Indika Perera, Commanding Officer, HQ Battalion at the Army Headquarters received the day's Chief Guest at first. Major General Prabath Dematanpitiya, Chief of Staff afterwards extended a warm reception to the promoted Army Chief in turn and invited the day's iconic military leader, General Shavendra Silva to review the Guard of Honour parade, presented by two Officers and 48 Other Ranks of his own Gajaba Regiment, along with Regimental colours. As marching melodies began rending the air, General Shavendra Silva, together with the parade commander and accompanying Chief of Staff reviewed the colourfully-dressed parade and proceeded to the special dais before taking the Guard of Honour salute which signifies a mark of recognition and seniority of rank. Next, lined up were the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief Of Staff, Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Commanders of all Security Forces, Principal Staff Officers, Advisors, Directors of respective Directorates to congratulate their promoted head of the organization.